| Writers’ conferences are expensive. The average national conference costs anywhere from $300 to $500 – or more – and that doesn’t include travel expenses. So to fork out all that cash for a miserable experience would be ridiculous. But, believe it or not, there are ways to mind your manners at writers’ conferences, act professionally, and still have a great time. All you have to do is remember the 3-Ds. Dress, Discern, and Diffuse.
Dress: You’ve heard the phrase, “Dress for success.” It’s a mantra in today’s business world. Well, the same principle can be applied to writers’ conferences. What do your clothes say about YOU? While there is nothing wrong with dressing casually and for comfort – and many conferences, such as the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference, held at a Christian campsite, recommend jeans, sweatshirts, and athletic shoes. But even then, it’s not in an author’s best interest to dress like a slob. So do your best to look professional during conference hours. Discern: There will no doubt be literary agents and editors milling around in between sessions or workshops. You may also see best selling authors in the hallway. Some of them might be your very favorite authors and you just want to tell them how wonderful their last books were! Well, while it’s great for writers to introduce themselves – and, believe me, authors want to know you enjoyed their books! – it’s rude to interrupt or monopolize someone’s time. So use good judgment. Don’t barge in on conversations, but watch for an appropriate time in which you can approach the person with whom you want to speak. Also, use discernment as you prepare what to bring to the conference. Agents and editors aren’t likely to take your manuscript back with them, so create a one-page promo sheet containing all your vital information and, perhaps, a picture of yourself. Leave a lot of white space on your one-pager, so it doesn’t look cluttered. At a glance, the agent and/or editor should see your demographic information and a paragraph or two about your WIP (work in progress). DO NOT hand an agent or editor your first chapter and say, “Here, read it.” – and then expect him or her to do so while you eagerly sit by watching during your ten minute appointment time. That is rude because you’ve put the agent or editor on the spot. Instead, keep the dialogue at your appointments folksy and informative. If you tend to get tongue tied or forgetful when you’re nervous, read the paragraphs about your WIP (the ones on your promo sheet) aloud to the agent or editor. This will take but a few minutes and you’ll appear the polished professional! Diffuse: The American Heritage Dictionary defines this word as “To pour out and cause to spread freely. To spread about or scatter…” It’s no fun to attend a writers’ conference and sit in the corner all by yourself. So mingle. If you’re shy, try to find someone talkative to sit next to at meals and during breaks. How do you get writers to talk? Easy! As them about their latest WIPs. Authors love to discuss their projects. So, if you tend to be bashful and can only think of one line, make it this: “And what are you working on these days?” By the end of the conference, you’ll have made lots of friends!  Mt. Hermon Conference in California, 2003. Pictured from L to R: Dee Hyatt, Andrea Boeshaar, Bev Huston, Rebecca Germany.
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